Once again, we experience a disaster that has affected hundreds of thousands of people in our country. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, our thoughts and prayers are directed to all those who have and are suffering because of natural disaster.

We join all the Orthodox jurisdictions in America in appealing to our good people for immediate help. I am calling on all pastors to announce a collection to be taken up either this Sunday, September 4 or the following Sunday, September 11. Please direct your parish treasurer to forward your donations to the Chancery immediately following its collection. Urgency is imperative.

Parish checks are to be made payable to ACROD, with the notation "Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund", and mailed to:

The Chancery

312 Garfield Street

Johnstown, PA 15906.

Within the next two weeks, we anticipate sending our combined parish gifts to an appropriate relief agency.